betteridea

familiar?

Due to changes in TV

scheduling, this project

is being repeated. So, in

case you missed it the

first time, here are the

k

full instructions.

A

1,2. This display unit can be

used to hold vases, photos, books

or any other small items. Just be

careful not to overload the sides

- keep heavy stuff in the centre,

where it is better supported. For

a ‘recycled chic' look, simply

assemble unpainted drawers and

anchor to the wall.

expression

Recycle old JL drawers into a wall unit with a <

difference

W

ant to turn a big empty wall into storage and display space, but

don’t have the money to spend on big-ticket shelving? Check

out this ingenious bit of upcycling. Simply gather old

discarded drawers from recycling centres, garage sales or off the nature

strip during local council clean-ups. Nip into the hardware store for

screws, grab your drill, some plywood and a tape measure, and get started.

H e r e ’s h o w it’s d o n e

■ Measure your wall space to calculate the

desired size of your finished unit.

■ Arrange your drawers on the floor in a

configuration that suits your space. Put the

larger drawers on the bottom - this will

increase stability and provide an attractive

sense of proportion. Number the drawers

on the back so you remember the order

later. Remove handles, leaving a few on the

topmost drawers, if you like.

■ Use a jigsaw to cut off any overhanging

edges that prevent drawers from sitting

flush with each other.

■ Fill and sand any holes, then paint or

varnish the drawers. This is entirely optional,

depending on the effect you’re after.

■ Starting from the bottom, screw drawers

together with wood screws that suit the

thickness of the wood - here, a combination

of 25, 30 and 35mm screws were used.

Use a drill to make a pilot hole in the first

drawer, then screw through into the second.

■ Cut and attach plywood to the back

of the two top corner drawers to fill the

void in the back so they sit flush with the

wall. Stand your unit against the wall and,

using the appropriate wall fasteners for

your wall, fix the two top drawers to the

wall. If your wall is plasterboard, be sure

to drill into the studs for extra support.

Do not be tempted to skip this step, as

otherwise the unit may topple.

■ Decorate the unit to your heart’s content!

3. Drawers of any size can be

used. Do necessary adjustments,

such as sanding, hole-filling,

painting or trimming before

screwing together the drawers.

4. If rustic isn’t your style, unify

the look using drawers

of a similar depth.

You can even

add wallpaper

lining glued to

111

the interior base

F o r project su p p lie s, se e S to c k ists p a g e

Words Georgina Bitcon; photography Cath Muscat: styling Chantal Davison (magazine). Kristy Lomax (TV); concept Kylie Sams (TV)